Self-control over Relationships
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” (Prov. 13:20 NIV)
Galatians chapter five tells us that one of the nine fruits of the spirit is self-control. I am doing a short series discussing things that God has given us the ability to control.
You can have self-control of your relationships, i.e. who you choose to spend the most time with.
Proverbs 1:10-19 and 4:14-19 warns about friends and how we should choose them. We are not to associate with any who entice us to do wrong, no matter how appealing their “friendship” seems to be. Avoid those whose “feet rush to sin.” Their sinful path is no place for a Christian to follow, whose choice should be to follow the “path of the righteous.” Only that path leads to friendship with God, which is the ultimate goal of a Christian.
Being yoked together with unbelievers is not compatible
“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?” (2 Cor. 6:14)
Having unreliable friends will ruin you
“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Prov. 18:24)
Having wicked friends will lead you astray
“One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.” (Prov. 12:26)
Having bad company will ruin your morals
Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” (1 Cor. 15:33)
Having wise friends will help you become wise
“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” (Prov. 13:20)
Having wise friends strengthens and sharpens you
“A wise man is full of strength, and a man of knowledge enhances his might.” (Prov. 24:5)
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” (Prov. 27:17)
Quote:
“Whatever you do in life, surround yourself with smart people who’ll argue with you.” – John Wooden